Euphoria Season 3 Sparks Viewer Outrage Over Graphic Content
The highly anticipated third season of HBO's Euphoria has been met with widespread criticism from fans, who have labelled the new episodes as 'disgusting' and questioned the return of key cast members. Creator Sam Levinson reportedly had a budget of $200 million for this season, which follows the East Highland High School students five years later as adults, but the gamble appears to have backfired.
Poor Reception and Viewer Disgust
The series currently holds a dismal 42 percent 'rotten' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with one viewer branding it an 'expensive mistake you didn't have to make'. Many fans took to social media to warn others not to watch while eating, citing nauseating scenes that include characters vomiting and suffering from diarrhoea. Particularly graphic moments involve Zendaya and Chloe Cherry's characters struggling to swallow lube-covered fentanyl balloons for smuggling, followed by scenes of defecation and excrement being handled.
Cast Criticisms and Controversial Scenes
Viewers have also expressed concerns over the performances of Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney. Jacob, an Oscar-nominee, has been accused of lacking commitment, with fans claiming he looks like he is 'physically forcing himself through every take'. Sydney faces backlash for her role in degrading scenes, including shooting OnlyFans content dressed as a dog and a baby, which some have called a 'humiliation ritual'. This has sparked debate, given her previous statements against being sexualised in her career.
Critical Reviews and Future of the Series
Critics have joined in the condemnation, with The Guardian describing the season as 'grubby and desperate' and The Telegraph accusing it of descending into 'one man's creepy, sex-obsessed fantasy'. The review highlights Levinson's solo writing process and suggests the show reflects misogynistic themes. While HBO has not confirmed if this will be the final season, Zendaya hinted at closure during an interview, stating she believes it is the end. The series airs on HBO and Sky Atlantic, but viewer backlash continues to grow over its reliance on shock value rather than substantive storytelling.
